SCOUT NOTES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23689, 22 December 1938, Page 2

SCOUT NOTES

By White Fang

HEADQUARTERS NEWS The Rotary Club competition for the collection of native plant specimens will be continued this year. Several excellent books came in last year and entries are expected om the same lads and from others. The boys competing last year must collect different species this year, so as ft extend their knowledge Special prizes will b awarded for entries by non-prize winners in any competition, to give them a chance, and eneourage fiem to comp te against the experienced boys. Books will be supplied when the number required is known.

The followin are the conditions: — Closing datt, February 28, 1939; number of plants to oe 20 all mounted in the book supplied; previous prize-winners to mount specimens not previously entered; write in neatly the botanical name, but if doubtful write in pencil and correction can be done at headquarters; after correction, write neatly in ink and give the locality where specimen was found; press the specimens flat in old newspapers or journals between flat surfaces and dry quickly, shifting the papers every dav or two, so as to prevent mould; use narrow-gummed strips for mounting; keep the books clean and write neatly and plainly. Special prizes will be given to those who have not previously had awards. Headquarters are now closed until February 3. GROUP REPORTS Ocean Beach.—On December 10 the Ocean Beach group had its final parade for 1938. During the afternoon, the annual sports were held, and were controlled by the Rovers. A series of Cubs' and Scouts' obstacle races and also a women's race were run off. The chief event was the cross-country for Scouts. The course traversed was from the hall to Lawyer's Head and back by a different route. Some 20 boys took the field, and the winner was M. Lyons, while fastest time went to G. S. Brent. At 5.30 all adjourned to the hall, where the women members of the committee provided tea. In the evening the boys entertained parents and friends with a concert. This lasted some two hours, after which several Cubs were duly welcomed to the Scout troop. D. Scoullar was invested as a Scout, and F. Petrie and G. S. Brent were presented with their first class badges. The latter boy also gained his King Scout badge and his all round cords which were presented by Commissioner Wing. The efficiency trophy went to the Owl Patrol and the Rovers' trophy was won by Scout T. Boulton. The attendance cup was won by G. S. Brent. Before going home each boy received a gift from the committee. Mohican.—Some 16 Cubs and a good muster of Scouts attended the annual break-up. The grand howl greeted Commissioner Wing and the visiting parents and friends. Commissioner Wing presented various trophies and awards, the winners being:—Silver six, Blue six,, B. Aitken, T. Shearer, K. Bertenshaw, C. Hall, R. Heathcote, L. Coster. Some five Cubs graudated to the Scout troop. Scouts C. Hall and G. Butcher were the winners of the good conduct award. The serving of supper brought the evening to a close.

Christian Brothers.—The annual birthday party of the group was held in St. Joseph's Hall on Tuesday. There were present some 80 Scouts and Cubs, along with their parents and friends and visitors from other troops. The evening was commenced with the singing of the National Anthem and the Grand Howl. The Rev. Brother McCarthy extended a welcome to the visitors. Commissioner Wing presented the football shield to the troop and also the ambulance trophy. The Wilson Cup was won by Alan Lomas and his patrol. The Marlow Shield was won by P.L. Noel Lomas with the Tui Patrol of No 1 troop. Proficiency badges were presented to A. Lomas, J. Metcalfe, H. Allan, J. Hurring, P. Marsh. A cup presented by Miss Duncan for competitioi among the sides was won by the brown six (Lon Keyes). The following Cubs received their first stars: Cubs Salmon, O'Connell, Brian Kelly, O'Gorman, Hogue, Drumm, Vintimer, Walsh. The cake was cut by Trevor Boyle, the youngest cub. During the evening Cubmaster Mains received a presentation from the committee ts some small return fo* the assistance she had rendered the group wher the Cub Pack was started.

Wesley.—Fifteen Scouts answered the call of the seagull and 26 gambolled round the Council Rock at the break-up last Monday The chairman of the committee welcomed Commissioner Wing, parents, and friends. The Commissioner replied and spoke oi the forthcoming jamboree in 1939-40 in Wellington A varied programme followed, "uring which A.C.M. Bartlett received a presentation as he is leaving the pack. Supper was served, and after a successful evening the group broke up. St. Francis Xavier's Troop.—lt has been felt for some time that the necessity for another troop in Mornington is great. A strong committee has been formed and under the leadership of A.S.M.'s Rodgers and Stevens some 12 boys are now learning their Scout Tenderfoot. They will hold their final parade this week, but will be out again early in the New Year. Lawrence.—There were no meetings held earlier in the month owing to swimming demonstrations. A short meeting was held on December 7, when some Scout games were played. After the meeting some of the boys went to bid farewell to exScouter George Weston, who is going to England to join the Air Force. On Friday the break-up was held. The Guides were also present. Games, supper, and an evening at the pictures concluded a reallv successful evening. Kaka Point Patrol.—The closing and birthday meeting of the Kaka Lone Patrol took the form of a huge bonfire built over running water. A fair number of bovs were present from the Milton Troop and also parents and friends. The P.L. was unfortunately absent. The songs and stunts went with a swing, and finally the cake was cut. This was baked by the P.L. Scouter Ashman

spoke about the New Zealand iamboree and encouraged all boys to save so fls to be present there in 1939-40 The following are to be congratulated:—J Roughen, cyclist and signalman badge: Alan Muir, gardener badge; Robbie Cousins, world friendshio badge Alan Thomson is a new member.